According to the D.C. DMV, “REAL ID is a coordinated effort by US jurisdictions and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”

The law basically establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. The new D.C. licenses will look exactly the same except for a star in the upper right hand corner.

When residents go to update their IDs, the DMV will have to to revalidate proof of identity, proof of social security number and proof of residence.

Eventually, the new IDs will be needed to access semi-restricted areas (i.e., areas available to the general public but subject to ID-based access control) for most federal facilities and for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

A driver’s license or ID card from a noncompliant jurisdiction (several states have rejected the bill) may only be used in conjunction with a second form of ID to board airplanes.

If you will soon need to renew your license or ID or get a new one, then you will be required to pay the normal fees when visiting the DMV to get a Real ID.

If you do not need to complete a DMV-related transaction, the DMV will notify you to visit during certain times of the week to get a REAL ID. Current licenses or ID cards are valid until the DMV notifies you to make an in-person visit.